Jeremy Clarkson today opened his new pub to acclaim from fans who queued for hours to be among the first to sink a pint at his latest venture.
More than four hours before the doors of ‘The Farmer’s Dog’ opened for business at noon, dozens of people had taken their place outside in blustery conditions.
Many had travelled long distances to the picturesque spot outside of the Cotswold village of Burford where Clarkson bought a pub known as The Windmill for just under £1million two months ago.
TV crews from the popular TV series ‘Clarkson’s Farm‘ were on hand to film the grand opening.
The popularity of the new pub meant that the car park was full within an hour of opening.
Jeremy Clarkson today opened his new pub to acclaim from fans who queued for hours to be among the first to sink a pint at his latest venture. TV crews followed around the star during the grand opening of the pub
More than four hours before the doors of ‘The Farmer’s Dog’ opened for business at noon, dozens of people had taken their place outside in blustery conditions
Many had travelled long distances to the picturesque spot outside of the Cotswold village of Burford where Clarkson bought a pub known as The Windmill for just under £1million two months ago
Gerald Cooper arrives for the the opening of Clarkson’s new pub
Clarkson’s Farm co- star Caleb Cooper was also an early arrival at the pubÂ
An adjoining field that could cater for up to 2,000 cars had been rented for the day to cope with expected influx of customers.
An hour before the pub opened more than 400 people had joined the queue which snaked through the car park and past a green marquee selling produce from Clarkson’s Diddly Squat farm.
Event staff in high viz jackets were on duty to keep order.
Clarkson was given a rousing cheer when he arrived in a white Jaguar convertible. His Clarkson Farm co- star Caleb Cooper was also an early arrival.
Lauren Hanly and her friend Blake Jones were the first in the queue waiting for the green doors of the recently renovated pub to open to the paying public for the first time.
The 34-year-old former pub manager said she was hoping Clarkson would pull the first pint to be sold at the pub.
‘We are big fans of his and just wanted to be here to support the opening and see what it is like.
‘I’m pretty certain that it is going to be a big success. As a pub manager I think it is great that he has chosen to go into the pub trade.’
Students Molly Dunn and her friend Max Morris drove from Bath to be among to enjoy lunch at the venue.
Molly said:’ It took us about an hour and half to get here. We like watching Clarkson’s Farm so thought why not.’
Clarkson was given a rousing cheer when he arrived
Clarkson has insisted only British produce will be served at his pub. That meant people who wanted to a cup of Cornish tea at £3 were told there was no sugar available to sweeten the drink
Before the pub opened visitors were able to get an early morning pint from a marquee set up in the grounds. As well as selling beer from a brewery part owned by Clarkson it was also doing a roaring trade in selling produce from the TV star’s Diddly Squat Farm
Clarkson and his co star Kaleb Cooper. He has has clashed with the local council over planning issues for his Diddly Squat farm. But he was full of praise for West Oxfordshire Council saying: ‘Credit where credit is due
Molly’s dad Hugh also said he was a huge fan of Clarkson – although he joked it wasn’t everyday that he was drinking a pint at 9am in the morning.
James Hixon said he wanted to be among the first to experience the Clarkson hospitality.
‘I think it is very brave that he has opened a pub, and I’m sure it will be a big success. You only have to look at the people who are here hours before it opens to know that it will do well. Good luck to him.’
Before the pub opened visitors were able to get an early morning pint from a marquee set up in the grounds.
As well as selling beer from a brewery part owned by Clarkson it was also doing a roaring trade in selling produce from the TV star’s Diddly Squat Farm.
Various chutneys, oils and souvenirs such as tea towels and soap were on offer.
A mobile kitchen called ‘The Farmer’s puppy’ served burgers and other food had been set up alongside the green marquee.
Clarkson has insisted only British produce will be served at his pub.
That meant people who wanted to a cup of Cornish tea at £3 were told there was no sugar available to sweeten the drink.
‘I’m sorry but we have no sugar as its not produced in this country so we can’t serve any,’ said a member of staff.
Lauren Hanly and her friend Blake Jones (pictured) were the first in the queue waiting for the green doors of the recently renovated pub to open to the paying public for the first time
A self service milk dispenser outside Jeremy Clarkson’s new pub, The Farmer’s Dog, in Asthall, near Burford in Oxfordshire
An adjoining field that could cater for up to 2,000 cars had been rented for the day to cope with expected influx of customers. An hour before the pub opened more than 400 people had joined the queue which snaked through the car park
Clarkson,64, has clashed with the local council over planning issues for his Diddly Squat farm.
But he was full of praise for West Oxfordshire Council saying: ‘Credit where credit is due.
‘Our new pub opens tomorrow and this might sound odd but
I’d like to thank Oxfordshire County Council for all their help.
‘We couldn’t have done it so fast without you. They’ve been fantastic.’